Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan is currently hearing a review petition regarding the election commission’s directive to hold elections in Punjab on May 14.
Under the leadership of Chief Justice Pakistan Omar Ata Bandial, a three-member bench is conducting the hearing, with Justice Ajaz ul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar being part of the bench.
During the hearing, the lawyers representing the election commission appeared before the court. Advocate Sujeel Swati stated that they have received responses from the federal and Punjab governments. However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has not provided a written response, and no response was previously provided to me.
Chief Justice Pakistan asked if they should assist in explaining the responses. He first requested them to explain how new grounds can be included in the review petition.
The election commission’s lawyer mentioned that the Supreme Court rules have been established by the Supreme Court itself. The Supreme Court cannot exercise powers beyond its jurisdiction as a criminal and civil court. Article 188 of the Constitution does not limit the powers of the Supreme Court’s review jurisdiction; it expands them.
The Chief Justice said that the Constitution allows the Supreme Court to review its decisions, now go ahead.
